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Technical Lead

Zaizi

About Zaizi

Zaizi is a digital consultancy specialising in delivering user-centred, secure, and scalable services for complex public sector challenges. We work in highly regulated environments, partnering closely with our clients to design and build modern digital platforms.

Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure.

Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success.

Responsibilities

  • We are seeking a high-caliber, entrepreneurial Engineering Lead to build and steer high-performing, multi-disciplinary Agile teams. You will be responsible for architecting and delivering innovative solutions to "hard" technical problems within the UK National Security (NatSec) domain. This role requires a blend of hands-on technical excellence, strategic leadership of small engineering squads, and the ability to navigate the unique security and data challenges of the UK defense and intelligence landscape.
  • Team Leadership & Delivery: Lead and mentor small, high-velocity engineering teams (4–8 people). You will be responsible for fostering a culture of technical excellence, psychological safety, and rapid delivery using Agile/DevSecOps methodologies.
  • Architectural Guidance: Serve as the Technical Authority for client projects, bridging the gap between high-level strategy and low-level implementation. You will design resilient, scalable architectures that account for the constraints of high-side/disconnected environments.
  • AI & Data Engineering: Lead the implementation of the "underpinning tech" for AI, including data pipelines (ETL/ELT), vector databases for RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), and the deployment of LLMs/ML models within secure infrastructure.
  • NatSec Stakeholder Management: Act as a trusted advisor to UK Government (HMG) stakeholders. You must understand the nuances of Policy and Assurance (e.g., JSP 440, IS1&2) and how to deliver "Secure by Design" software.
  • Strategy & Roadmapping: Work alongside client engineering communities to develop technical roadmaps that prioritize interoperability, data sovereignty, and the migration from legacy systems to modern cloud-native architectures (AWS/Azure).

Requirements

Essential: Software Engineering & Leadership

  • Languages: Expert-level proficiency in Python, GoLang, or Java; with strong TypeScript/Node.js for full-stack/service-layer delivery.
  • Cloud & Infrastructure: Hands-on AWS or Azure architecture; mastery of Terraform (IaC), Kubernetes (EKS/AKS), and Container Orchestration.
  • Data Foundations: Deep knowledge of SQL (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB/DynamoDB) with an emphasis on data modeling for high-availability systems.
  • Engineering Rigour: Proven experience in CI/CD pipeline construction, TDD/BDD, and Micro-services architecture within a GitLab/GitHub environment.
  • Security & National Security (NatSec): Solid understanding of "Secure by Design" principles, OAuth2/OIDC, and building for UK Sovereign Cloud or disconnected environments. Practical application of BDD/TDD and a "Security First" approach to the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

Desirable: AI & Data Underpinnings

  • Vector Databases: Experience with high-dimensional data retrieval using Milvus, Weaviate, or Pinecone (essential for RAG architectures).
  • Data Orchestration: Familiarity with Airflow, Prefect, or Dagster for managing complex data movement and model training pipelines.
  • Search & Discovery: Advanced ElasticSearch/OpenSearch for semantic search and large-scale indexing.
  • AI Frameworks: Exposure to LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Hugging Face libraries for integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into production applications.
  • Model Ops (MLOps): Understanding the lifecycle of a model—from deployment and monitoring to versioning—using tools like MLflow or Kubeflow.

Desired Experience & Context

  • UK NatSec Landscape: Proven experience working within the UK National Security community (e.g., MoD, Home Office, or Intelligence Agencies). Familiarity with the Service Manual, GDS standards, and the unique challenges of Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS).
  • Security Clearance: Applicants must hold eDV.
  • Coaching: A track record of developing junior and mid-level engineers into future technical leaders.

Pay

Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.

Benefits

  • Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%.
  • Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.
  • Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service.
  • Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle.
  • Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.
  • Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave.
  • Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you—work-related or not.
  • Support: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career.
  • Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards).
  • Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.
  • Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices.